PM’s 7th address
during Covid pandemic explained: Country’s economy is rebounding
By Akshaya Kumar Sahoo
BHUBANESWAR, OCT. 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday
evening addressed the nation ahead of the Durga puja festival. During his
30-minute address, the PM talked about the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the
loss of lives, country’s fight, economic hardship and appealed people to
observe more restraint.
But what did he exactly want to convey the nation?
The PM, as expected, tried to impress upon the people that
the worst is over but the pandemic is still here with all its might. He also
mentioned that the economy is returning to the track.
Perhaps the PM was trying to take the public attention from the 23.9 per cent
contraction in the country’s economy in the first quarter of the current
financial to the anticipated 9.5 per cent contraction in the July-September
second quarter.
“Economic activities are also increasing rapidly over time. With
efforts of every Indian over last 7-8 months, India is in a stable situation we
must not let it deteriorate,” Mr Modi said.
The PM’s assertion is seen a measured attempt to instill a
sense of confidence in the minds of countrymen.
The PM then shared the mantra of 'Seva Parmo Dharma' and
highlighted the contribution of doctors, nurses, health workers in fighting the
Covid-19 and explained how they are selflessly serving such a large population.
“Amidst all these efforts, this is not the time to be
careless,” he cautioned.
The PM PM asked media personnel, people on social media to
campaign to spread public awareness for following Covid-19 guidelines, thus
seeking each individual to play a role in containing the pandemic.
Mr Modi also mentioned that more than 10 crore tests had been
conducted so far, over 2,000 Covid labs are operational, over 90 lakhs beds are
available and over 12,000 quarantine centres are there in the country. He also
assured that the government was making all efforts to ensure that vaccine,
whenever it is launched, reaches every Indian. These words are surely a great
assurance for common citizens who often doubt if they would be able to avail
vaccines.
The PM gave a comparative picture of India’s fight against
Covid-19 and some key achievements.
“The fatality rate in India is 83 out of every 10 lakh
population in India, whereas it is more than 600 in countries like the US,
Brazil, Spain, Britain. At least 5,500 people out of every 10 lakh in India are
infected, whereas in countries like the US & Brazil this figure is around
25,000. Today, the recovery rate in the country is good. The fatality rate is
low,” the PM said.
“Scientists of our country are also working hard for vaccine.
Several corona vaccines are currently in operation in India,” the PM informed,
adding, fight against Covid should not weaken till we get the vaccine.
He cautioned the countrymen, also, against any laxity. "If
you are negligent, coming out without a mask, you are putting yourself, your
family, your family's children, the elderly in the same great crisis. Keep in
mind, whether it is America today, or other countries in Europe, the cases of
corona were decreasing in these countries, but suddenly started increasing
again. Most of us are stepping out of our homes every day to fulfill our
responsibilities, to speed up life again. This season of festivals is also
slowly returning to the markets. But we should not forget that even though the
lockdown is gone, the virus is not gone.”
